Paraguay proposes energy ministry and regulator amid rising demand

Paraguay is considering significant institutional reforms to address a looming energy crisis. The executive branch is accelerating legal steps to create a new Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Hydrocarbons, alongside an independent Energy Regulatory Body. These measures aim to reorganize the state system and provide legal certainty for foreign investors as industrial demand outpaces current electrical availability.

Internal electricity consumption has grown by more than 18%, significantly exceeding the 10% projected by the National Electricity Administration (ANDE). Private investment projects exceeding 6,000 MW are currently under consideration. The government seeks to increase market transparency by establishing technical tariffs based on efficient costs. Drafts of these projects have been published for public participation and debate among sector specialists.